Jan 2012 Village Services and Facilities Technical Paper ......2012) West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy – Village Services and Facilities Technical Paper – Feb 2011 2 1

1

Contact Us:

01604 837838

[email protected]

www.westnorthamptonshirejpu.org

West

Northamptonshire

Joint Core Strategy

Village Services

and Facilities

Technical Paper

West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit

February 2011 – (Appendix 2 withdrawn January

2012)

West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy – Village Services and Facilities Technical Paper – Feb 2011

2

1. Introduction

1.1 A large proportion of the West Northamptonshire area is comprised of rural

settlements, which account for approximately one third of the area’s population. This is

particularly the case in the districts of South Northamptonshire and Daventry where the

percentage of people living in rural communities is as high as 75%.

1.2 In recent years, the Government’s planning policy framework has increasingly

emphasised the role Local Planning Authorities can play in promoting the overarching

planning objective of encouraging the sustainable development of both urban and rural

areas. Sustainable development has been defined as “development that meets the

needs of the present without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their

own needs”, or in other words it is development that promotes the social, economic

and environmental well being of society. This is closely aligned to the importance of

creating sustainable communities, which are places where people want to live, work

and are able to easily access services/facilities.

1.3 In order to encourage the sustainable development of rural locations, national planning

policies have highlighted the importance of increasing the provision of affordable

housing in rural locations to create mixed communities that sustain community

facilities, infrastructure and services, as well as reduce the need to travel by car and

impact on the environment. Secondly, national policy guidelines have also noted the

need to focus most new development in local centres to create more self sustained

settlements and encourage more sustainable modes of transport. Finally, emphasis

has also been placed on the need for planning policies to encourage the sustainable

diversification of the rural economy.

1.4 To inform the development of policies for the rural areas within the Joint Core Strategy,

a survey was undertaken of the rural settlements across West Northamptonshire in

July 2008. This technical paper has been produced to highlight the key findings of this

survey and its implications for the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy.

1.5 The main aims of this survey were to:

• Identify the level of services/facilities across rural areas

• Identify the priorities for the vision for rural areas

• Identify the main economic, social and environmental issues facing the rural areas,

their development aspirations and how they could be addressed or achieved


3

• Identify the key spatial relationships (i.e. economic, social and geographic)

between the rural villages and wider towns within the area and how they could be

enhanced by policies within the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy

• Outline the key lessons of the survey

1.6 This paper explains how the findings of the survey have been used to inform and

support the development of the rural policies within the West Northamptonshire Joint

Core Strategy.

2. Research Methodology

2.1 At the initial stage a number of research methods were examined and a postal survey

was considered to be the most appropriate method. The main reasons to justify this

were: that the survey involved the collection of information from a large number of

Parish Councils that were dispersed over a large geographic area. Also the survey

involved the collection of a large amount of up-to date quantitative/qualitative data that

was either not available, or difficult to exact, from existing secondary sources.

Therefore, a postal survey was regarded as the most reliable, valid and practical

approach for the research, given the constraints of resources such as time and

finance.

2.2 Therefore, a postal survey was designed which included both closed and open

questions. A copy of the survey questionnaire is attached as Appendix 1. Before the

survey was finalized, feedback was sought from a number of stakeholders, such

Northamptonshire Association of Local Councils, Northamptonshire County Council,

Daventry District Council and South Northamptonshire Council in order to draw on

their experience of undertaking similar surveys and working with Parish Councils over

some years. The survey was amended in accordance with their feedback and agreed

with them. A freepost addressed envelope was provided with the survey to increase

the response rate. The Joint Planning Unit’s contact details (i.e. phone, email and

post), were included on the form so that the participants could seek advice on

completing the form if required.

2.3 In order to ensure that the sample was fully representative and its findings were

reliable and valid, the survey was posted to all Parish Councils in the West

Northamptonshire area, so that they could respond to it, on behalf of the villages in


4

their area1. Replies were received in respect of 124 villages. This meant that the

survey had a highly acceptable response rate of 66%.

2.4 The quantitative data was grouped and analyzed using statistical packages like

Microsoft Excel and Access. The results were presented in the form of tables/charts

and a description of what they were illustrating has been provided in the text2.of this

study. The overall aim of this analysis was to identify key trends in the data and where

possible determine how one variable may be related to another. In comparison to this,

the qualitative data was analysed by grouping the findings under key themes and has

been summarised in the main text of the study3.

3 Analysis of Key Findings

3.1 The main purpose of this section is to outline the main findings of the survey.

Part 1: - Rural Services Survey

3.2 The first part of the survey sought to gather an up to date picture of the services and

facilities available within the villages of West Northamptonshire. The aim was to

establish a comprehensive database for all the villages within the area. The results of

the postal survey provided a good starting point for the database, but because the

response rate was not 100%, further research was required to ensure comprehensive

coverage of the area.

3.3 For those settlements where no response was received a site visit was undertaken by

the Joint Planning Unit to establish the availability of services and facilities. This

ensured that a consistent dataset was available for all settlements.

3.4 This initial dataset has been used to inform the policy approach set out in the Pre-

Submission Joint Core Strategy (PSJCS). The PSJCS provides for a rural settlement

hierarchy which will enable the provision of new homes, jobs and services needed in

rural areas, whilst ensuring that new development is focused in sustainable

settlements and protecting the overall rural character of the area.

3.5 The allocation of settlements within the hierarchy (“the detailed hierarchy”) will be

undertaken through Development Plan Documents (DPDs) which will be prepared for

2 See Appendix 3 for a copy of the summary/analysis of the results


5

the rural areas within Daventry and South Northamptonshire districts. This approach

will provide some flexibility for the hierarchy within each area to be tailored to reflect

specific local circumstances, but the hierarchy will be based on a robust analysis of

village services and facilities. The PSJCS develops an approach which has been

adopted in South Northamptonshire Council and requires an assessment of the

following services and facilities:

a) Most Important Services and Facilities: Secondary School, Primary School,

GP Surgery, General Food Store, Post Office, Village Hall/ Community Centre, and

Public Transport (quality of service).

b) Important Facilities and Services: Other Shops/ Takeaways, Local

Employment Provision, Libraries/ Outreach Centres and Pre-school Provision.

c) Other Facilities: Play Area, Sports Ground and Allotments.

3.6 The table attached as Appendix 2 to this paper sets out the presence or otherwise of

these services and facilities within the rural settlements across West

Northamptonshire. This table is based on the original rural survey, but has also been

updated through secondary research. For example the information on public transport

was updated using information available on Northamptonshire County Council’s

website and reflects the services operating in July 2010.

3.7 The analysis of services and facilities presented in Appendix 2 will be kept up to date

as part of annual monitoring and will inform the detailed hierarchy to be prepared for

the rural areas, together with any particular local constraints and opportunities.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A number of inaccuracies relating to Appendix 2 have been

drawn to our attention. Due to an administrative error some of the data used in

Appendix 2 was incomplete. As from 9 January 2012 Appendix 2 has been

withdrawn from this paper pending a review of the information it contains.

West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Techni

Part 2:- Needs and Aspirations Questionnaire

3.8 The second part of the survey asked a series of questions about the needs and

aspirations of West Northamptonshire’s rural settlements. An analysis of the results for

each question is presented

Appendix 3.

Q1:- Does the village have a Parish Plan/Design Statement or is there an

intention to produce one?

3.9 In above chart, it can be seen that less than a quarter of the villages in the West

Northamptonshire area have produced a Parish Plan or a Village Design Statement.

This means that over three quarters of the villages that responded

Parish Plan or Design Statement. On a positive note, approximately a quarter of the

villages reported that they were intending to produce a Village Parish Plan or a Design

Statement in the future.


6

Needs and Aspirations Questionnaire

The second part of the survey asked a series of questions about the needs and


each question is presented below. A summary of the results is also provided in

Does the village have a Parish Plan/Design Statement or is there an

intention to produce one?

In above chart, it can be seen that less than a quarter of the villages in the West


This means that over three quarters of the villages that responded had not produce

h Plan or Design Statement. On a positive note, approximately a quarter of the


Village Services and Facilities

The second part of the survey asked a series of questions about the needs and


A summary of the results is also provided in

Does the village have a Parish Plan/Design Statement or is there an

In above chart, it can be seen that less than a quarter of the villages in the West


not produced a

h Plan or Design Statement. On a positive note, approximately a quarter of the



Q2 Which priorities for you consider as being the most

areas?

3.10 The above chart examined the villages’ responses in relation to the priority that

different development aspirations should be given in the formulation of a vision for

rural areas. This illustrates that a significant p

that meeting the communities needs locally should be the most important priority for

the vision for the rural areas. This was followed by the need for

protect/enhance the areas environmental herit

3.11 Development for new jobs

as the least important priority.


7

Q2 Which priorities for you consider as being the most important for the rural

The above chart examined the villages’ responses in relation to the priority that


rural areas. This illustrates that a significant proportion of the villages held the view


the vision for the rural areas. This was followed by the need for the rural vision to

protect/enhance the areas environmental heritage and built environment.

Development for new jobs, followed by the promotion of rural diversification

as the least important priority.


important for the rural

The above chart examined the villages’ responses in relation to the priority that


roportion of the villages held the view


rural vision to

followed by the promotion of rural diversification was seen


Q3:- How would you best describe the general perception of the village?

3.12 Most of the respondents noted that the general perception of villages are that they are

areas that have a few (or are suffering from a loss of

the repondents). This was

villages and an areas which contain an ageing/elderly population. The above

also illustrates to us that the view that villages are run down environments or areas in

need of regeneration are

West Northamptonshire area.

3.13 The other views that were noted on a smaller scale were that villages are areas that

lack of leisure /transport facilities, places that need to maintain their histo

built/natural character, places where vibra

poor planning decisions are allowing the development of housing estates that are

destroying the character/soul of villages, housing is unaffordable for the younger

sections of the population and places where there are a high level of empty housing

because of the buy to let market.


8

How would you best describe the general perception of the village?

respondents noted that the general perception of villages are that they are

or are suffering from a loss of) services (ie almost two

. This was followed by the view that villages are becoming dormitory

villages and an areas which contain an ageing/elderly population. The above


are not a generally accepted perception for the villages in the

West Northamptonshire area.

The other views that were noted on a smaller scale were that villages are areas that

lack of leisure /transport facilities, places that need to maintain their histo

ter, places where vibrant communities of all ages resided, where


racter/soul of villages, housing is unaffordable for the younger

tions of the population and places where there are a high level of empty housing

because of the buy to let market.


How would you best describe the general perception of the village?

respondents noted that the general perception of villages are that they are

ost two third of

followed by the view that villages are becoming dormitory

villages and an areas which contain an ageing/elderly population. The above chart


tion for the villages in the

The other views that were noted on a smaller scale were that villages are areas that

lack of leisure /transport facilities, places that need to maintain their historic

nt communities of all ages resided, where


racter/soul of villages, housing is unaffordable for the younger

tions of the population and places where there are a high level of empty housing


Q4:- What types of development or facilities do you consider would be beneficial

to the village and why?

3.14 The chart above is illustrating that the respondents have a diverse range of opinions in

respect to what sort of developments would be considered beneficial for the villages

within the West Northamtonshire area.

3.15 The development of youth facilities, f

childrens facilities are considered the most beneficial. Whilst, the development of

additional recreational space

developments.

3.16 However, it should be emphas

no overall agreement amonst the respondents in regards to what development would

be most or least benificial for the villages in the area.


9

What types of development or facilities do you consider would be beneficial

The chart above is illustrating that the respondents have a diverse range of opinions in


within the West Northamtonshire area.

The development of youth facilities, followed by community/public transport and


additional recreational spaces, village halls are considered the least beneficial

However, it should be emphasised that, with the exception of youth facilities, there is


be most or least benificial for the villages in the area.


What types of development or facilities do you consider would be beneficial

The chart above is illustrating that the respondents have a diverse range of opinions in


ollowed by community/public transport and


are considered the least beneficial

ised that, with the exception of youth facilities, there is



Q5:- Do you think the village has reasonable access t

services, such as convenience shopping, community facilities, education, etc?

3.17 The above diagram is illustrating that a large proportion of the villages in the area

seem to have a reasonable access to key local services. The only areas of concern

seem to be access to further/adult education and, to a smaller extent, access to

community facilities and post offices.

Q6:- Do you think there are any obvious gaps in provision or problems with

current provision?

Table 1: Gaps or problems with current provision

Response % of

Responses

Yes 50

No 37

Unknown 13

Total 100

3.18 The above table is indicating that half of the respondents have suggested that there

are obvious gaps/problems in provision of key services. The

most frequently noted was the inadequate provision of public transport (including cycle

lanes) which made it difficult for villages to access local services/facilities. Also


10

Do you think the village has reasonable access to a range of key local


The above diagram is illustrating that a large proportion of the villages in the area



ty facilities and post offices.

Do you think there are any obvious gaps in provision or problems with

Table 1: Gaps or problems with current provision

% of

Responses

No of

Responses

62

46

16

124

The above table is indicating that half of the respondents have suggested that there

are obvious gaps/problems in provision of key services. The major problem that was




o a range of key local


The above diagram is illustrating that a large proportion of the villages in the area



Do you think there are any obvious gaps in provision or problems with

The above table is indicating that half of the respondents have suggested that there

major problem that was




11

mention was made of the need to make additional provisions for and reverse the large

trend of closures of village post offices/shops. Other areas of concern were affordable

housing, health and community facilities (i.e. GP’s, library, youth facilities, and sports

facilities).

Q7:- Would your Parish support the development that sustains or improves local

services such as education, retail or public transport?

Table 2: The level of support from Parish Councils for Development that sustains/Improves local services

Responses

% of

Responses

No of

Responses

Yes 64 79

No 27 34

Unknown 9 11

Total 100 124

3.19 The majority of the respondents noted that they would support development that helps

sustains/improve local services in villages.


12

Q8 Which villages or towns do people within your village look to for access to

facilities/services?

3.20 From the above chart, it is clear that a significant proportion of villages are heavily

reliant on the West Northamptonshire towns of Northampton, Daventry, Towcester and

Brackley, as well areas outside the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy areas

like Milton Keynes, Rugby and Banbury to meet their needs for services and facilities

(ie shopping, employment and GP services, etc). This is particularly true for accessing

jobs, comparison/convenience retail goods (ie food/Non-food items), secondary/further

education and leisure facilities.

3.21 The other key patterns that are emerging are that villages are to a large extent meeting

their day to day needs for dental/GP services and primary education, locally. In

contrast to this, the respondents also seem to be indicating that villagers are willing (or

forced) to travel over a larger geographic areas to access employment oppurtunities

(e.g London, Oxford, Banbury). Finally, there were a large number of other

villages/towns that were accessed for facilities/services on smaller scale (ie

Chart 6: The Charts and Villages that are accessed

for facilities and Service

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Other places accessed

less frequently

Northampton

Milton

Keynes

Towcester

Brackley

Daventry

Banbury

Rugby

London

Bedford

Brixworth

Bugsbrooke

Guilsborough

Kettering

Long

Bucky

Market

Harborough

Middleton

Chenney

Moulton

Roade

Weedon

Dental services

GP services

Leisure

Adult/Further

Education Secondary Education

Primary Education

Non-food Shopping

Food Shopping

Jobs

118

74

No of Villages No of Villages that responded


Bugsbrooke, Leiecester, Woodford Halse, etc) by villages in the West

Northamptonshire area. This largely refelects the large geograpic dispersion of villages

in the West Northamptonshire Area.

Q9:- Do you consider that the village has access to reasonable

3.22 The above chart shows that about less than half of the respondents believed that their

village had reasonable access to transport.

by responses of the previous questions (i.e. Q6) which

gap/problem facing the villages was public transport. This was also considered one of

the most beneficial developments for them (Q4).

3.23 In relation to the responses in question 5, it is interesting to note that even thou

large number of responde

of key services, this was largely due to their reliance on their private use of cars rather

than public transport.


13



in the West Northamptonshire Area.

Do you consider that the village has access to reasonable public transport?

that about less than half of the respondents believed that their

village had reasonable access to transport. The findings of this question are supported

by responses of the previous questions (i.e. Q6) which indicated that one of the major


the most beneficial developments for them (Q4).

In relation to the responses in question 5, it is interesting to note that even thou

large number of respondents considered that they had reasonable access to a range





public transport?

that about less than half of the respondents believed that their

The findings of this question are supported

indicated that one of the major


In relation to the responses in question 5, it is interesting to note that even though a

reasonable access to a range



Q10:- Which are the most important public transport links/routes that should be

improved/maintained?

3.24 A large number of respondents

transport (i.e. bus) links between the larger urban areas of Northampton, Towcester,

Daventry, Brackley, Banbury, Market Harborough and Milton Keynes should be

maintained and improved. Also reference

to and from railway stations such as Long Buckby.

3.25 Additionally, reference was

between the villages and the wider areas by having a more frequent public transport

service (i.e. Bus) during th

reflect the travel to work/services/facilities patterns that were emphasized in the

previous question (Q8).

Q11:- Are there any particular difficulties in accessing the following by public

transport?

3.26 The above graph is demonstrat

Northamptonshire areas f

and leisure facilities by public transport.


14

Which are the most important public transport links/routes that should be

A large number of respondents (i.e. over 200 responses) noted that the public


Banbury, Market Harborough and Milton Keynes should be

maintained and improved. Also reference was made to the need to improve bu

to and from railway stations such as Long Buckby.

was made to the need to enhance public transport links


service (i.e. Bus) during the evenings, nights and weekends. These findings closely

the travel to work/services/facilities patterns that were emphasized in the

Are there any particular difficulties in accessing the following by public

The above graph is demonstrates that a significant proportion of villages in the West

Northamptonshire areas found it extremely difficult to access services, employment

and leisure facilities by public transport.


Which are the most important public transport links/routes that should be

noted that the public


Banbury, Market Harborough and Milton Keynes should be

the need to improve bus links

made to the need to enhance public transport links


findings closely

the travel to work/services/facilities patterns that were emphasized in the

Are there any particular difficulties in accessing the following by public

a significant proportion of villages in the West

it extremely difficult to access services, employment


15

3.27 The main issues that were noted by the respondents were: poor timings of the bus

services to areas such as Northampton, Milton Keynes, etc making it difficult to access

work; infrequent/limited services (particularly early mornings, evening, late night and

weekends), no public transport provision in some locations and to some destinations,

and public transport is regarded as inconvenient in comparison to the alternatives.

3.28 Again, the findings of this question are largely explained by the fact that a large

proportion of the leisure and employment facilities are situated in the larger towns both

within and outside the West Northamptonshire area (i.e. Q8).Whilst the accessibility to

public transport facilities is poor for over half of the villages in the areas (Q9).

Q12: - Is traffic congestion an issue for your village?

Table 3: Villages where congestion was an issue

Responses % of Total No of Villages that

responded

Total No of villages that

responded

Yes 45 56

No 55 68

Total 100 124

3.29 In a large proportion of the villages traffic congestion does not seem to be an issue

(i.e. 55%). But it should be emphasized that congestion is an issue for almost half of

the villages in the West Northamptonshire area, particularly along the A508, B4100,

A45, A5, A361 and M1 (J15). Other than this, reference has also been made of

congestion along the High Streets and school runs in a large number of villages within

West Northamptonshire.


16

Q13:- Do any community transport schemes operate within the village?

3.30 The above diagram is illustrating that community transport schemes are operating in

less than half of the villages within West Northamptonshire. A large number of

respondents have made particular reference transport schemes such as the Daventry

areas community transport, Brixworth travel club, The Towcester area door to door

services, bus services to doctors/health centres (including a prescription service) and

volunteer services run by charities like Age UK (formerly Age Concern and Help The

Aged).

Q14:- Do you think there are enough community/public green or open spaces

within the village?

3.31 The above chart shows that a significant proportion of the villages with the West

Northamptonshire areas have an adequate level of community, public green spaces.

Chart 9: Proportion of village

where community transport schemes operate

45%

55%

Yes

No

Chart 10: Villages that have adequate Community/public green/open space

88%

12%

Yes

No


Q15:- Are there any specific locations where green or other environmental

features should be protected or created

3.32 None of the respondents provide

environmental features could be protected or created.

3.33 Despite this, a large number of the respondents have suggested that footpaths are a

environmental feature that

have provided no overall concensus in relation to what value should be placed on

protecting or enhancing different environmental (with the exception of footpaths)

because a relatively simillar number

as parks, woodlands, etc should be protected/created. .

Q16:- How do you think the Parish or District Council could help to protect or

enhance existing village facilities and services?

3.34 A large number of respondents have suggested that the Parish

could help villages to enhance their facilities/services by providing a greater level of

funding to them. This will enable them to appoint an enthusiastic action planning

committee to: produce their Parish Plans/Design

populations when making key decisions to support the provision of new and existing

local services/facilities (i.e. post offices, schools), maintain/create footpaths and open

spaces, etc. This will also allow Parish Councils to have greater power in promoting

development that enhances/protects the historic built and natural environment of the

villages (i.e. conservation areas)


17

Are there any specific locations where green or other environmental

features should be protected or created?

he respondents provided an indication of the locations where any

environmental features could be protected or created.

Despite this, a large number of the respondents have suggested that footpaths are a

environmental feature that should be either protected or created. But the responses



because a relatively simillar number of respondents have indicated that feautures such

as parks, woodlands, etc should be protected/created. .

How do you think the Parish or District Council could help to protect or

enhance existing village facilities and services?

of respondents have suggested that the Parish and District



produce their Parish Plans/Design Statements, consult the local



will also allow Parish Councils to have greater power in promoting


ages (i.e. conservation areas).


Are there any specific locations where green or other environmental

an indication of the locations where any

Despite this, a large number of the respondents have suggested that footpaths are a

should be either protected or created. But the responses



of respondents have indicated that feautures such

How do you think the Parish or District Council could help to protect or

District Councils



tatements, consult the local



will also allow Parish Councils to have greater power in promoting



Q17:- What types of housing do you think the village needs?

3.34 From the above, it can be seen that a signifant number of the respondents have

indicated that that affordable housing is required in their village. In contrast, a smaller

number of repondents have also noted that their village requires a ballanced mix of

housing and sheltered housing. A relatively small number of respondents have

suggested that their village requires family sized, executive, single and market

housing.

3.35 The findings are potentially reflecting the demographics and a relatively bouyant

housing market of the villages in the area


18

What types of housing do you think the village needs?

From the above, it can be seen that a signifant number of the respondents have





The findings are potentially reflecting the demographics and a relatively bouyant

of the villages in the area, in 2008.


From the above, it can be seen that a signifant number of the respondents have





The findings are potentially reflecting the demographics and a relatively bouyant


Q18:- Considering your answer to 17, how much additional housing do you

think should be built within the village over the next 15 years?

3.36 The above illustrates that a large number of

built in their villages. 28% of repondents

built in their villages and 23%

villages. In comparison, a relativ

that between 15-30 (or above) houses should be built in their villages.

3.37 The findings to a large extent reflect the rural character of the villages in the question

and the high number of development constraints that may apply and may limit their

growth such as, design, environmental designations, infrastructure and the need to

enhance/preserve the historic character of the villages, etc.


19

Considering your answer to 17, how much additional housing do you

think should be built within the village over the next 15 years?

that a large number of villages believe that no housing should be

of repondents indicated that between 6-14 houses should be

23% indicated that less than 5 houses should be built in their

villages. In comparison, a relatively small number of respondents (12%)

30 (or above) houses should be built in their villages.

The findings to a large extent reflect the rural character of the villages in the question



enhance/preserve the historic character of the villages, etc.


Considering your answer to 17, how much additional housing do you

villages believe that no housing should be

14 houses should be

indicated that less than 5 houses should be built in their

(12%) suggested

The findings to a large extent reflect the rural character of the villages in the question




Q19:- Is any evidence available that the village needs affordable housing?

3.38 Just over 50% of the villages

forms of evidence, to support the provision of affordable housing. But the findings of

this question should be viewed cautiously because

responded failed to indicate whether they

affordable housing.


20

Is any evidence available that the village needs affordable housing?

of the villages that respobded have a housing needs survey

to support the provision of affordable housing. But the findings of

this question should be viewed cautiously because nearly half the villages

failed to indicate whether they had any evidence to support the


Is any evidence available that the village needs affordable housing?

have a housing needs survey, or other

to support the provision of affordable housing. But the findings of

the villages that

nce to support the provision of


Q20:- Where do you consider that new housing would be best located within

the village?

3.40 The above chart illustrates

categories) believed that infill

the best locations for new housing development.

indicated that new housing would be best located in the

agricultural buildings. While a low

locations for new housing development is the extensions to the built up area of the

village.

3.41 The other most mentioned

for housing because all of the infill sites have been developed. Reference was also

made of the need to reuse

exceptions sites for housing.


21

Where do you consider that new housing would be best located within

es that half of the respondents (significantly more than

that infill sites within the existing built up part of the villages are

the best locations for new housing development. Less than a third of respondents

new housing would be best located in the conversion of redundant

agricultural buildings. While a low proportion of respondents suggested that the best


ed response was that there are no sites in the villages suitable

e all of the infill sites have been developed. Reference was also

made of the need to reuse Previously Developed Sites (i.e. vacant industrial sites) and

exceptions sites for housing.


Where do you consider that new housing would be best located within

(significantly more than other

up part of the villages are

third of respondents

conversion of redundant

proportion of respondents suggested that the best


response was that there are no sites in the villages suitable

e all of the infill sites have been developed. Reference was also

vacant industrial sites) and


Q21:- Should priority be given to the re

3.42 A significant proportion of the respondents held the opini

to the re-use of buildings for employment uses.

Q22:- What types of employment opp

3.43 The above chart is showing to us that over two thirds of the respondents noted that

their village requires office related and high tech IT related employment

While a relatively small number of responded indicated that their village requires

manufacturing and warehouse/storage related employment opportunities.


22

Should priority be given to the re-use of buildings for employment?

A significant proportion of the respondents held the opinion that priorty should be given

use of buildings for employment uses.

What types of employment opportunities does your village need?

The above chart is showing to us that over two thirds of the respondents noted that

office related and high tech IT related employment opportunities




use of buildings for employment?

n that priorty should be given

ortunities does your village need?

The above chart is showing to us that over two thirds of the respondents noted that

opportunities.




Q23:- What size would be most appropriate to meet this need?

3.44 From the above figure, over a third of the respondents held the view that their

employment opportunity requirements should be met through the development of small

starter units as opposed to larger and

this question need to be treated with caution due to the low response rate.


23

What size would be most appropriate to meet this need?

From the above figure, over a third of the respondents held the view that their


starter units as opposed to larger and to medium sized units. However, the findings of

uestion need to be treated with caution due to the low response rate.


From the above figure, over a third of the respondents held the view that their


medium sized units. However, the findings of

uestion need to be treated with caution due to the low response rate.


24

4. Conclusions

4.1 The findings of the survey demonstrate that the villages within the West

Northamptonshire area are very diverse and face a large range of issues and

challenges.

4.2 In summary, a number of key issues have been identified which have been used to

inform the policies for the rural areas within the Pre-Submission Joint Core Strategy as

follows-

1. The top three priorities for the rural areas were identified as: to meet communities’

needs locally, to protect and enhance the environmental heritage and to protect

and enhance the built environment. There was also some acknowledgment of the

need to provide affordable housing and to support the rural economy.

2. The rural communities are largely happy with the quality of their environment and

only a small number of communities identified a need for regeneration. There are

however significant concerns about the lack of services within the rural area and

the ongoing loss of services. Trends such as the increasingly dormitory nature of

villages and the aging of the population are also of concern to rural communities.

3. In terms of development needs, the development of youth facilities, followed by

community/public transport and childrens facilities are considered the most

beneficial. A smaller number of communities have also identified new housing and

employment development as being beneficial, but there is a constant emphasis on

development being small scale and meeting local needs.

4. Although, a significant proportion of the villages indicated that they have a

reasonable access to key local facilities, this was largely due to their reliance on

private cars and larger towns/cites both within and outside the West

Northamptonshire area (i.e. for retails goods and employment) as opposed to

addressing the needs locally or by public transport. Therefore, the challenge for

the JCS is to support the provision of services/facilities (i.e. post offices, village

shops). Employment opportunities etc) more locally, as well as seeking to

enhance the existing spatial relationships (or create new ones) between the

villages and wider areas (via increasing the provision of public/community

transport schemes). This will help promote a greater self containment of the

villages in the area and create more sustainable rural communities.

5. A significant proportion of the communities who responded reported that they

require affordable housing (i.e. over 60%), in comparison to the alternatives. The

JCS needs to ensure that a high priority is given to the provision of affordable

housing in any housing schemes that come forward in the villages in the area.

Also as the results have indicated, the overall aim of the JCS should be to

encourage the development of a range of housing types, to create mixed

sustainable communities.

6. A large proportion of the villages in the area reported that they require less than

five houses and between 6 and 14 houses to be built in their villages. In addition, it


25

was widely believed that this need should be met by developing infill sites, or

through the conversion of redundant agricultural buildings. The JCS will need to

ensure that it encourages the small scale development of housing schemes in the

most sustainable locations and that the strategy is not too rigid or too flexible, in

order to avoid having a detrimental impact on the character of the villages and the

sustainability of communities.

7. Finally, in relation to employment development the views of communities are

somewhat mixed and where employment development is supported there is an

emphasis on this being small scale. Even so, a significant proportion of villages

have identified a need for new employment uses, particularly for office use and

High Technology/IT related employment development.

APPENDIX 1 – THE VILLAGE SERVICES QUESTIONNAIRE

26

West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy – Village Services Questionnaire

Introduction The West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit is preparing the Joint Core Strategy on behalf of the 4 local authorities within the area – Daventry District, Northampton Borough, South Northamptonshire Council, and Northamptonshire County Council. The authorities are currently gathering evidence that will support and back up the proposals within the Joint Core Strategy, which will include a strategy for the rural areas within West Northamptonshire. For further information on what the Joint Planning Unit does, or who we are, please visit our website: www.westnorthamptonshirejpu.org for more details.

The new Joint Core Strategy, together with other planning documents all form part of the Local Development Framework, which will look forward to 2026. This Framework will be very important; as it will help shape the way our towns and villages are developed in the future.

We need your assistance to gather information and views to act as an evidence base for the

rural areas and would be grateful if you would complete this questionnaire and return it to the

Joint Planning Unit by 31 July 2008. We would be grateful if you would complete the

questionnaire on behalf of each village or hamlet represented within your Parish.

Please note that the responses will be available to the public. Once completed please return the form, freepost, to:

West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit, C/O Planning Policy, Northampton Borough Council Freepost MID17237 Northampton NN1 1WJ

Or, you can email your response to:

E-mail: [email protected]

If you require further assistance or information please contact Wendy Cooper in the Joint

Planning Unit (tel. 01604 838037)

All comments on this form will be taken into account and will be an important consideration when we produce the next stage of the Core Strategy, which will guide development within West Northamptonshire.

Thank you for your time and co-operation

Parish Name………………………………….

Village Name …………………………………………………….


27

Part 1: Rural Services Survey Please complete the following update of services and facilities for your village:-

(Please enter a tick or a number if more than one)


28

Category Service Count

General

Public House Social Club or Working Men’s Club Library Police Station

Bus Service

Hourly service Evening service Daily service Weekend Service

Doctors Surgery/ Health Centre Dentist Petrol Station

Other (please specify)

Visitor accommodation Hotel Bed and Breakfast Other (please specify)

Financial

Bank/ Building Society Cash Point/ ATM - Charge Cash Point/ ATM - Free Other (please specify)

Shops

Post Office General Store/ Village Shop Supermarket Other (please specify)

Leisure and Recreation

Play/ Park Area Sports Facility Village Hall/ Community Centre Youth Club Other (please specify)

Food

Restaurant Café

Take away e.g. Fish & Chips, Pizza, Curry Other (please specify)

Education

Nursery/ Pre-school Primary School Secondary School Adult Education - courses or facilities Other (please specify)

Religious

Church Chapel Other Religious Other (please specify)

Employment Industrial Estate Other Employment

Mobile services

If yes – which one(s) - Please Specify:


29

Part 2: Needs and Aspirations Questionnaire

Background Information:

1. Does the village have

A completed Parish Plan? Yes/ No A completed Village Design Statement Yes/ No

If not is something being prepared or considered?

Yes No

If yes, what?______________________________________________

A Vision for the Rural Area

2. Which priorities do you consider as being most important for the rural areas? Please rank

each issue according to the importance that you would give to each issue (1 = most

important, 6 = least important).

To meet communities’ needs locally To promote rural regeneration To promote rural diversification

Parish Council/ Meeting………………………………………………


30

To prioritise developments for affordable housing To prioritise development for new jobs To protect and enhance the area’s environmental heritage To protect and enhance the village’s built environment Other (Please specify)____________________________________

Perception of the area 3. How would you best describe the general perception of the Village?

An aging or elderly population Few services/ loss of services Village has become a dormitory village

Run down environment

Regeneration required Any other views:

4. What type of development or facilities do you consider would be beneficial to the village

and why? (please tick as many as apply)

Housing

Employment

Youth facilities

Children’s’ facilities

Retail/ Public house/ post office

New recreation space

Public/ community transport

Village Hall

Health/ Dentist

Other (please State) ___

Local Services and Settlement Relationships

5. Do you think that the village has reasonable access to a range of key local services, such as


31

convenience shopping, community facilities, education, library, post office?

Yes No

Convenience (e.g. food) Shopping

Community Facilities

Primary Education

Secondary Education

Further/ Adult Education

Library

Post Office

Other (please state)____________

6. Do you think there are any obvious gaps in provision or problems with current provision?

Yes No

b. If yes, what are the gaps?

_______________________________________________________________

7. Would the Parish support development that sustains or improves local services such as

education, retail or public transport?

Yes No

8. Which villages or towns do people within your village look to for access to?

Jobs Food Shopping: Non-food Shopping (e.g. electrical, clothing): Primary Education Secondary Education Adult/ Further Education Leisure


32

GP Services Dental Services

Transport Issues

9. Do you consider that the village has access to reasonable public transport?

Yes No

10. Which are the most important public transport links/ routes that should be improved/

maintained?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________ 11. Are there any particular difficulties in accessing the following by public transport?

(please tick as many as apply)

Services Employment Leisure

If yes what are these issues?

_______________________________________________________________

12. Is traffic congestion an issue for your village?

Yes No

If yes, please specify where_____________________

13. Do any community transport schemes operate within the village?

Yes No

If yes, please specify the scheme_____________________ Green Spaces and Woodlands

14. Do you think there are enough community/ public green or open spaces within the village?


33

Yes No

15. Are there any specific locations where green spaces or other environmental features should be protected or created? (Please provide a plan where possible) (please tick as many as apply)

Footpaths Cycle routes Woodlands Parks (e.g pocket parks) Sports pitches Community/ informal open space Other

16. How do you think the Parish or District Council help to protect or enhance existing

village facilities and services? ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Housing

17. What particular type of housing do you think the village needs? (please tick as

many as apply)

Market housing Affordable housing (shared ownership) Affordable housing (low cost rent) Sheltered housing Family sized housing Singles housing Executive housing A balanced mix of the above

18. Considering your answer to 17, how much additional housing do you think should

be built within the village over the next 15 years?

None Less than 5 houses Between 6 and 14 houses Between 15 and 30 houses More than 30 houses

19. Is any evidence available that the village needs affordable housing?


34

Housing Needs Survey Other Evidence (please state)

20. Where do you consider that new housing would be best located within the village?

(please tick as many as apply)

Infill within the existing built up part of the village Conversion of redundant agricultural buildings Extensions to the built up area of the village Other (please state)________________________

Employment

21. Should priority be given to the re-use of buildings for employment?

Yes No

22. What types of employment opportunities does your village need? (please tick as many as apply) Office use Manufacturing use Warehousing/ Storage use High Tech IT use Other_______________________________

What size would be most appropriate to meet this need?

Small starter units Medium Sized units Large units

Thank you for your time and co-operation, once completed please return your form(s), freepost, to: West Northamptonshire JPU, C/O Planning Policy Northampton Borough Council, Freepost MID17237, Northampton, NN1 1WJ.

APPENDIX 2 – ANALYSIS OF RURAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES

35

IMPORTANT NOTE: A number of inaccuracies relating to Appendix 2 have been drawn

to our attention. Due to an administrative error some of the data used in Appendix 2

was incomplete. As from 9 January 2012 Appendix 2 has been withdrawn from this

paper pending a review of the information it contains.

APPENDIX 3 – ANALYSIS OF THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS QUESTIONNAIRE

36

Table 1: Villages that had a Parish Plan/Village Design Statement or in tending to produce them

Response % of respondents

that indicated yes

Yes NO Unknown Total

No of Villages with a Parish Plan 19 23 94 7 124

No of Villages with a Design Statement 20 25 93 6 124

No of Villages Intending to produce a Parish

Plan

27 34 66 24 124

No of villages intending to produce a Village

Design Statement

24 30 66 28 124

Table 2: Priorities for the Rural Vision

Most Important

Priority

Least Important

Priority

Responses /Level of Priority 1 2 3 4 5 6

To meet communities needs locally 71 20 12 8 2 7

To promote rural regeneration 4 18 25 24 16 22

To promote rural diversification 3 6 37 20 7 25

To prioritise development of affordable housing 13 18 18 20 16 22

To prioritise development for new jobs 4 5 22 19 20 36

To protect and enhance the areas environmental heritage 50 38 13 4 3 9

To Protect and enhance the villages built environment 41 27 24 9 4 11

Other 15

Table 3: Perception of villages in the area

Response % of Total No of Respondents

Total No of

Responses

Total No of

Respondents

An aging or elderly population 29 36 124

Few services/ loss of services 57 71

Village has become a dormitory village 40 49

Run down environment 7 9

Regeneration required 7 9

Any other views 32 40

Table 4: Beneficial developments/facilities for villages

Responses % of total No of villages

that responded

No of villages that

responded yes

Total No of villages

that responded

Housing 33 41 124

Employment 21 26

Youth Facilities 53 66

Children’s facilities 35 44

Retail/Public House /post office 32 40

New Recreation Space 13 16

Public/community transport 43 53

Village Hall 23 29

Health/ Dentist 20 25

Other 16 20

Table 5: Villages that had good access to Key Local Services


37

Responses % of total No of Villages

that responded yes

No of Villages that

responded yes

Total No of

villages that

responded

Convenience Shopping 71 88 124

Community Facilities 58 72

Primary Education 90 112

Secondary Education 73 91

Further/Adult education 40 49

Library 75 93

Post Office 65 80

Other 5 6

Table 6: Villages that reported any gaps or problems in accessing Key Local Services

Response % of Responses Total No of Responses

Yes 50 62

No 37 46

Unknown 13 16

Total 100 124

Table 7: The level of support from Parish Councils for development that sustains villages

Responses % of Responses No of Responses

Yes 64 79

No 27 34

Unknown 9 11

Total 100 124

Table 8: Villages and Towns that are accessed facilities/services

Place Jobs Food

Shopping

Non-food

Shopping

Primary

Education

Secondary

Education

Adult/Further

Education

Leisure GP

services

Dental

Services

Northampton 74 58 68 12 31 49 48 9 45

Milton Keynes 33 17 45 2 2 5 16 1 3

Towcester 10 22 10 5 18 16 26 10 18

Brackley 8 12 5 3 10 6 13 4 10

Daventry 34 38 24 3 20 23 15 12 26

Banbury 20 21 8 3 13 13 15 4 12

Rugby 11 13 14 3 9 10 8 5 12

London 18 1 1 1 1

Bedford 1 1 21

Brixworth 5 2 15 10

Bugsbrooke 11 7 1 6 1

Guilsborough 2 22 6 1 10

Kettering 5 4 6 1 2 2 2 1 3

Long Bucky 2 1 1 11 2

Market

Harborough

11 8 15 2 1 8 15 5 14

Middleton

Chenney

2 12 2 1 2

Moulton 1 1 1 9 5 1 5 1

Roade 1 1 1 13 10 5 7

Weedon 1 9 6

Campion 2

Castle Ashby 1


38

Cogenhoe 1

Collingtree 1

Cropedy 3

Croughton 2

Creaton 1

Chappel Brampton 1

Charlton 2

Chipping Warden 3

Northhants 1 1

Hackleton 3

Earles Barton 1 1 1 3

East Haddon 2 1

Fawsely 1

Greatworth 1

Greens Norton 1 4

Grendon 1

Grove 1

Harlestone 1

Hastings 1

Hellidon 1

Hollowell 1 1

Kilsby 1

Kings Thorpe 3 1

Leamington 3 1

Leicester 5 1 9 1

Little Brington 3

Mawsley, 1 2 1 1

DRIFT 1

Dunchurch 1

Naseby 2

Nationally 4

Newnham 2

Oxford 1 2 2 3

Paulersbury 3 1

Pittsford 1 2 1 1 1

Riverside 2

Tutworth 1

Walgrave 1 2 1

Silverstone 1 3 2

Six Fields 1

Southam 1 1 1

Spratten 2 2

Staverton 1 3 1

Stoney Stratford 1 1

Rothwell 1 1 1 2 1

Welford 3 1

Wellingborough 1 2 3 3 2 2 1

Welton 1

West Haddon 1 1

Weston Favel 2 1 1

White Hills 1

Wodford Halse

Woodford Halse 4 3 4 3 3

Woolaston 1

Wooton 1 1 2 4

Yadley Gobion 1

Yardley 1

Yelvertoff 1

Althorpe Estate 1


39

Aston Le Walls 4

Badby 3 1 3

Byfield 6

Barby 1 1 1

Clipson 5

Bicester 1 1 1

Billing 1 1

Birmingham 1 2 2

Blakesly 3

Bletchly 1

Blisworth 2 1

Boddington 1

Bosworth 1 3

Boughton 1

Brampton 2 1

Braunston 1

Brockworth 1

Buckingham 1 1

Lutterworth 1 1

Coventry 5 5

Crick 1 5 2

Culworth 6 1 1

Local village 28

Maidwell 5 1

Deanshanger 7 1

Denton 6 2

Duston 1 1 1 1 2 6

Flore 1 5

Other places

Accessed

less frequently

40 20 36 118 24 22 29 54 26

Table 9: The amount of villages that reasonable access for public transport

Response % of Responses No of Responses

Yes 45 56

No 55 68

Total 100 124

Table 10: Villages that had difficulties accessing services/facilities by public transport (Q11)

No of Responses

Services Employment Leisure Total no of

Respondents

% of total No of Respondents 57 64 65

No of ticked boxes 71 79 81 124

Table 11: Number of villages where traffic congestion is an issue (Q12)

Responses % of Total No of Responses Total No of responses

Yes 45 56

No 55 68

Total 100 124


40

Table 12: Villages that have a community Transport Schemes (Q13)

Responses % of Total No of Responses Total No of responses

Yes 45 54

No 55 65

Total 100 119

Table 13: Villages that adequate Community/public or green spaces (Q14)

Yes No Total

% of Villages that responded 88 12 100

No of Villages 106 15 121

Table 14: Villages environmental features that should be protected/enhanced (Q15)

Responses No of respondents who ticked box

Footpaths 69

Cycle routes 41

Woodlands 42

Parks 43

Sports pitches 41

Community open space 45

Other 23

Table 15: Types of housing that villages require (Q17)

Type of housing villages required % of Respondents Total No of Villages Total No of

respondents

Market 6 8 124

Affordable (Shared Ownership) 40 49

Affordable (Low Cost Rent) 37 46

Sheltered housing 20 25

Family sized housing 13 16

Single Housing 14 17

Executive housing 2 3

A Balanced mix of the above 26 32

Table 16: Additional Housing that should be built within the villages over next 15 years (Q18)

Responses % of Reponses No of responses

None 37 42

Less than 5 Houses 23 27

Between 6 and 14 Houses 28 32

Between 15 and 30 houses 11 13

More than 30 houses 1 1

Total 100 115

Table 17: Evidence to support affordable housing in villages (Q19)

Responses % of Responses that indicated yes No Reponses that indicated yes

Housing Needs Survey 40 50

Other Evidence 11 14


41

Unknown/None 48 60

Total 100 124

Table 18: Best locations for new housing within the villages (Q20)

Responses % Responses No of Responses

Infill within existing built up part of the village 50 66

Conversion of redundant agricultural buildings 21 27

Extensions to the built up area of the village 13 17

Other 16 21

Totals 100 131

Table 19: The priority that should be given to the re use of buildings for employment (Q21)

Responses Yes No Total

% of Responses 45 55 100

No of Responses 45 54 99

Table 20: The types of employment opportunities required by villages (Q22)

Responses % of responses Total

Office use 38 40

Manufacturing use 9 9

Warehousing /Storage use 10 10

High Tech/ IT Use 32 33

Other 12 12

Total 100 104

Q23:- Most appropriate size to meet this employment need

Responses % of responses Total No of Responses

Small starter Units 34 42

Medium sized units 6 7

Large units 0 0

Unknown 60 75

total 100 124